Dual display CT scanner user interface

ABSTRACT

A user interface for a CT imaging system is disclosed. The user interface includes a first display configured to enable an operator to perform set-up and scanning tasks associated with performing a CT exam on one or more patients, with the set-up and scanning tasks including acquiring and verifying scan image data. The user interface also includes a second display configured to enable the operator to perform image post-processing tasks associated with the CT exams on the one or more patients, with the image post-processing tasks including performing image reconstructions and reformats. Each of the first display and the second display are operable independent from one another to provide for parallel workflows between the first display and second display and between the patient set-up and scanning tasks and the post-processing tasks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to computed tomography(CT) imaging and, more particularly, to a CT user interface configuredto enable multi-tasking workflow, collaboration, multiple throughput usecases, and consistency in scan quality.

Typically, in computed tomography (CT) imaging systems, an x-ray sourceemits a fan-shaped beam toward a subject or object, such as a patient ora piece of luggage. The beam, after being attenuated by the subject,impinges upon an array of radiation detectors. The intensity of theattenuated beam radiation received at the detector array is typicallydependent upon the attenuation of the x-ray beam by the subject. Eachdetector element of the detector array produces a separate electricalsignal indicative of the attenuated beam received by each detectorelement. The electrical signals are transmitted to a data processingsystem for analysis which ultimately produces an image.

Generally, the x-ray source and the detector array are rotated about thegantry within an imaging plane and around the subject. X-ray sourcestypically include x-ray tubes, which emit the x-ray beam at a focalpoint. X-ray detectors typically include a collimator for collimatingx-ray beams received at the detector, a scintillator for convertingx-rays to light energy adjacent the collimator, and photodiodes forreceiving the light energy from the adjacent scintillator and producingelectrical signals therefrom. The outputs of the photodiodes are thentransmitted to the data processing system for image reconstruction.

It is well recognized that CT scanner technology is growing increasinglycomplex and capable as innovations in electronics, computing, andimaging physics enable both new clinical applications and bring whatwere considered boutique and difficult CT examinations into the realm ofa routine case. In keeping with such advancements in CT scannertechnology, the design of CT scanner user interfaces has also evolved inorder to add new capabilities addressing such new clinical applications.However, in evolving to keep pace with advances in technology, littlethought has been given to CT scanner user interface design with respectto addressing actual working conditions and customer needs. Accordingly,existing CT scanner UI designs posses a linear, sequential architecture,and become consumed with system tasks, such as post-processing, therebycausing long bottlenecks that reduces the overall efficiency of the CTscanner. Existing CT scanner UI designs also fail to properly identifythe users involved at different points in the patient experience with aCT study and lack a clear presentation and prioritized design frameworksupporting the fundamental workflow of a patient CT exam, whichprogresses as: Setup Exam>Customize Preferences>Adjust forPatient>Capture & Evaluate>Create Final Images>Finish.

Therefore, it would be desirable to design a CT scanner UI thataddresses issues including multi-tasking workflow, collaboration,multiple throughput use cases, and consistency in scan quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a CT user interfaceconfigured to enable multi-tasking workflow, collaboration, multiplethroughput use cases, and consistency in scan quality.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a user interface for aCT imaging system includes a first display configured to enable anoperator to perform set-up and scanning tasks associated with performinga CT exam on one or more patients, with the set-up and scanning tasksincluding acquiring and verifying scan image data. The user interfacealso includes a second display configured to enable the operator toperform image post-processing tasks associated with the CT exams on theone or more patients, with the image post-processing tasks includingperforming image reconstructions and reformats. Each of the firstdisplay and the second display are operable independent from one anotherto provide for parallel workflows between the first display and seconddisplay and between the patient set-up and scanning tasks and thepost-processing tasks.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a user interface fora CT imaging system includes a first display configured to enable anoperator to perform set-up and scanning tasks associated with performinga CT exam on one or more patients and a second display configured toenable the operator to perform image post-processing tasks associatedwith the CT exams on the one or more patients. Each of the first displayand the second display are configured to display a plurality of distinctdisplay zones thereon, with the plurality of display zones including atabs zone on the first display comprising a plurality of tabs eachdirected to a distinct subject, wherein selection of one of theplurality of tabs by the operator causes subject specific and scanspecific information to be displayed on the first and second displays.The plurality of display zones also includes a task list zone on thefirst display that is configured to display all steps in a CT scan for asubject selected via a tab in the tabs zone and enable operatorselection of a particular step, settings and scanning zones on the firstdisplay that are configured to display the subject specific and scanspecific information for a respective subject whose tab is selected anda respective step selected in the task list zone, and a post-processingzone on the second display that is configured to enable the operator tomanage post-processing set-up, monitoring, and transferring tasks for aCT scan that has been performed. The plurality of distinct display zoneson the first and second displays enable the operator to performworkflows on multiple subjects and enable simultaneous usage of thefirst display and the second display by multiple operators.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a CT imagingsystem includes a rotatable gantry having a gantry opening to receive asubject to be scanned, a high frequency electromagnetic energyprojection source configured to project a high frequency electromagneticenergy beam toward the subject, a detector array configured to detecthigh frequency electromagnetic energy passing through the subject andgenerate a detector output responsive thereto, a data acquisition system(DAS) connected to the detector array and configured to receive thedetector output, and an image reconstructor connected to the DAS andconfigured to reconstruct one or more images of the subject from thedetector output received by the DAS. The CT imaging system also includesa user interface configured to be usable by an operator to set scanrelated parameters and perform scan related tasks and observe the one ormore reconstructed images generated by the image reconstructor, with theuser interface further including a first display configured to enablethe operator to perform set-up and scanning tasks for one or morepatients including acquiring and verifying scan image data and a seconddisplay configured to enable the operator to perform imagepost-processing tasks including reconstructions and reformats. Each ofthe first display and the second display are configured to display aplurality of distinct display zones thereon, with each of the pluralityof display zones being dedicated to a specified task associated with aCT scanning process of the subjects.

Various other features and advantages will be made apparent from thefollowing detailed description and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently contemplated forcarrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a CT imaging system.

FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram of the CT imaging system illustratedin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a dual display user interface of the CTimaging system illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a patient scheduler zone on the dualdisplay user interface of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a tabs zone on the dual display userinterface of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an exam set-up and protocol zone on thedual display user interface of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a patient area zone on the dual displayuser interface of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a task zone on the dual display userinterface of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are illustrations of a scout zone on the dual displayuser interface of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a settings zone and a dose area zone onthe dual display user interface of FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of the settings zone of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of an alert on the dose area zone of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a scanning zone and viewports zone on thedual display user interface of FIG. 3.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an expanded viewport in the viewports zoneof FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a post-processing zone, status zone, andviewports zone on the dual display user interface of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 17A-17C are illustrations of an Edit Settings Panel, DPMRapplication, and AW application, for selective display in a portion ofthe post-processing zone of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a file manager zone on the dual displayuser interface of FIG. 3.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a contrast monitoring zone on the dualdisplay user interface of FIG. 3.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are illustrations of a cardiac zone on the dual displayuser interface of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The operating environment of the invention is described with respect toa sixty-four-slice computed tomography (CT) system. However, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is equallyapplicable for use with other multi-slice configurations. Moreover, theinvention will be described with respect to the detection and conversionof x-rays. However, one skilled in the art will further appreciate thatthe invention is equally applicable for the detection and conversion ofother high frequency electromagnetic energy. The invention will bedescribed with respect to a “third generation” CT scanner, but isequally applicable with other CT systems.

Referring to FIG. 1, a computed tomography (CT) imaging system 10 isshown as including a gantry 12 representative of a “third generation” CTscanner. Gantry 12 has an x-ray source 14 that projects a beam of x-raystoward a detector assembly or collimator 18 on the opposite side of thegantry 12. Referring now to FIG. 2, detector assembly 18 is formed by aplurality of detectors 20 and data acquisition systems (DAS) 32. Theplurality of detectors 20 sense the projected x-rays 16 that passthrough a medical patient 22, and DAS 32 converts the data to digitalsignals for subsequent processing. Each detector 20 produces an analogelectrical signal that represents the intensity of an impinging x-raybeam and hence the attenuated beam as it passes through the patient 22.During a scan to acquire x-ray projection data, gantry 12 and thecomponents mounted thereon rotate about a center of rotation 24.

Rotation of gantry 12 and the operation of x-ray source 14 are governedby a control mechanism 26 of CT system 10. Control mechanism 26 includesan x-ray controller 28 that provides power and timing signals to anx-ray source 14 and a gantry motor controller 30 that controls therotational speed and position of gantry 12. An image reconstructor 34receives sampled and digitized x-ray data from DAS 32 and performs highspeed reconstruction. The reconstructed image is applied as an input toa computer 36 which stores the image in a mass storage device 38.

Computer 36 also receives commands and scanning parameters from anoperator via console 40 and user interface 42, with the console and userinterface having some form of operator interface, such as a keyboard,mouse, voice activated controller, or any other suitable input apparatusand displays that allow the operator to set scan parameters and observethe reconstructed image and other data from computer 36. The operatorsupplied commands and parameters are used by computer 36 to providecontrol signals and information to DAS 32, x-ray controller 28 andgantry motor controller 30. In addition, computer 36 operates a tablemotor controller 44 which controls a motorized table 46 to positionpatient 22 and gantry 12. Particularly, table 46 moves patients 22through a gantry opening 48 of FIG. 1 in whole or in part.

Referring now to FIG. 3, user interface 42 is shown in more detailaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The userinterface 42 is configured as a dual display user interface thatincludes a left display 44 and a right display 46. The left display 44is dedicated to setting up a new patient and scanning, which includessetting-up a new patient to scan and acquiring and verifying the scanimage data. The right display 46 is dedicated to post-processing,viewing, and management of previously done exams and serves as adashboard of reconstructions and reformats that the technologist canglance at to determine and verify what processes are configured,started, need attention, completed, or have been transferred. Thedistinct left and right displays 44, 46 beneficially allow forcomponents needed to complete a task (whether acquiring a Scout orReformatting images, for example) to be grouped together and kept on onedisplay, so as to display useful information at the right time in theright place. Additionally, the distinct left and right displays 44, 46enable collaboration between a technician and other colleagues, as theseintervening colleagues can use the right display to view images whileallowing the technologist to proceed with her scanning on the leftdisplay, for example. The user interface 42 thus provides a departurefrom the linear, sequential architecture of typical prior art userinterfaces, enabling multi-tasking and collaboration between personnel,while still providing a clear navigation structure with tools andcomponents at each step that direct, guide, and support technologiststhroughout an exam and providing the flexibility to accommodatesituational factors such inserting an emergency scan or receiving aphone call from a radiologist requiring additional images.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the left and right displays 44, 46 includesa plurality of clearly defined spatial zones, with each spatial zonehaving a unique identity to provide a consistent place for atechnologist to perform specific steps. The defined spatial zones on theleft and right displays 44, 46 include: a patient scheduler zone 50, atabs zone 52, a patient area zone 54, a task list zone 56, ascout/settings/scanning zone 58, a dose area zone 60, viewport zones 62,a post-processing zone 64, a status zone 66, and a file manager zone 68.The design and layout of the zones 50-68 is based upon an understandingof the functional and emotional needs of technologists, with thepositioning/arrangement of the zones 50-68 functioning to organizeworkflow activities within logical groupings on the left and right headdisplays so as to help technologists focus on a particular task andalleviating multitasking constraints. The architecture of user interface42 and layout of the zones 50-68 support this focused attention andprovide only the necessary tools and views that the technologist needsin order to perform certain activities, with unnecessary general userinterface elements retreating to the background to simplify the userinterface presented to the technologist.

Referring to FIG. 4, the patient scheduler zone 50 is shown in greaterdetail. The patient scheduler zone 50 is one of two “drawers” (the otheris the file manager zone 68) within the user interface 42 that areconsistently present in either a closed or open state. The patientscheduler zone 50 is located on the left display 44 and is anchored tothe left side of the left display 44. As shown in FIG. 4, the patientscheduler zone 50 is expandable to an open state from the closed stateto provide access to the data contained therein. Because the patientscheduler zone 50 is a feature associated with the display as a whole,and not a particular exam, it exists on a higher layer than any tabs inthe tabs zone 52 that may be open. Access to the patient scheduler zone50 is available at any point, quickly handling unexpected situations orchecking on upcoming patients, to the technologist. Tasks enabled by thepatient scheduler zone 50 are some of the first steps in any workflow,thus it is found on the left side of the left display 44 in order toreinforce the left-to-right workflow concept embodied by thearchitecture of CT user interface 42.

As shown in FIG. 4, the patient scheduler zone 50 includes a list ofpatients 70 that previously have been entered into the user interface 42of the CT system. The patient scheduler zone 50 is used in differentways depending on the scanning institution. For this reason, columns ofinformation corresponding to the patient list 70 can be sorted accordingto any of the following columns by clicking on their column header: Name72, Patient ID 74, Accession No. 76, Exam 78, Date 80, Time 82, orStatus 84. Additional features within the patient scheduler zone 50include a Context Menu 86 that includes secondary functions such as “Addpatient,” “Delete all,” “Preferences,” and “Remove all completed exams”that are needed less frequently and therefore do not need to be visibleat all times. Info Icons 88 can also be included in the patientscheduler zone 50 that display additional detailed information about thepatient or the exam when clicked on, along with a Delete feature 90 toremove a patient from the Scheduler list when clicked, and a “SelectPatient” button 92 that functions to create a new exam tab in tabs zone52 (FIG. 3), as explained below, by double-clicking a patient name orhighlighting a patient within the Scheduler list 70 and clicking the“Select Patient” button 92.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the tabs zone 52 is shown in greater detail.The tabs zone 52 in the user interface 42 introduces a flexible methodof handling multiple patients (only one of which, however, can be “onthe table” at any time), keeping patient information separate, andallowing a technologist to maintain control over what activities he orshe would like to perform. Individual tabs 94 in the tabs zone 52 serveas a wrapper, containing both exam and patient specific information. Theuser interface architecture is designed to support multiple tabs 94,allowing a technologist to switch between exam activities, andsupporting a multitasking workflow. Any selected tab 94 will span acrossboth the left and right displays 44, 46. The structure of tabs zone 52is highly efficient in handling patient surges or alternative schedulingmethods, such as scanning patients back-to-back for long periods withthe ability to easily return to post-processing at a later time.

Tabs 94 in the tabs zone 52 are ordered chronologically from left toright within the tabs zone. The tabs 94 appear starting at the top ofthe left display 44, with the most recently created tab 94 beginning onthe far left-hand side. Within their chronological order, tabs 94 fallwithin three distinct clusters that communicate different phases of theworkflow, including Not Yet Scanned 96, On the Table 98, and DoneScanning 100, with the clusters 96, 98, 100 being spatially separatedfrom one another. The color of each tab 94 is also controlled toindicate the status of the exam it represents, with an exemplary colorcoding scheme being set forth below regarding various status indicationswhile recognizing that other appropriate color coding schemes could alsobe implemented. For example, a white tab is a tab 94 currently selectedand corresponds to the visible settings and viewports. This status showswhich tab 94 a technologist is currently working within and is used inall tab clusters. There can only be one selected tab 94 at a time. Whena tab 94 is selected, the white background replaces the current visualstyle (applies to all tabs). When the tab 94 is deselected (e.g.,another tab 94 is selected), it is restored to the appropriate visualstyle. A gray background on a tab 94 communicates that there is nothingin the background being processed and that no particular action isrequired of the technologist. The gray background is considered ageneric or neutral state and is used for all tabs 94 in the Not YetScanned cluster 96 and any tab 94 in the Done Scanning cluster 100 inwhich all required post-processing and data transfers have beencompleted. A tab 94 with a gray background and no name communicates thata tab 94 has been created but that the patient information and aprotocol selection have not been completed, with such a tab status onlybeing used only within the Not Yet Scanned cluster 96. A blue backgroundon a tab 94 indicates the tab for the patient currently on the table,and thus this status is used only within the On the Table cluster 98.Since the currently selected tab 94 is always white, the blue backgroundstyle is only seen when there is a tab 94 in the On the Table cluster98, but a different tab 94 is selected. This is an additional method ofcommunicating the uniqueness of this tab 94, along with the spatialseparation of the On the Table cluster 98. The purpose of these uniquevisual differentiators is to reduce error and cognitive load whenreturning to the patient who is on the table. Gray diagonal lines on atab communicate that image processing or file transfers are currentlybeing performed and thus this status is used only within the DoneScanning cluster 100. Orange diagonal lines on a tab communicate thatimage processing is done, but that required Manual Reformats need atechnologist's input and thus this status is used only within the DoneScanning cluster 100. A red background on a tab communicates that therehas been an error that needs a technologist's acknowledgement or input,with the red color slowly pulsating to get a technologist's attention,but not be too distracting while they complete tasks in the currentlyselected tab. The red background status can potentially be used in anytab cluster.

Referring now to FIG. 6, upon a command by the technician to create anew patient record or upon selection by the technician of an existingpatient record that has not yet had information entered therein, eithervia the patient scheduler zone 50 or the tabs zone 52, an exam setup andprotocol select area 102 is caused to appear related to the selectedpatient. The exam setup and protocol select area is presented on leftdisplay 44 and can extend down from a selected tab 94, for example, soas to be seen as corresponding to that tab 94. The exam setup andprotocol select area 102 includes a patient information section 104therein setting forth details regarding the specific patient, and alsoincludes a plurality of protocol selection areas including: an anatomyselector/protocol filtering area 106, a protocol notes area 108, aprotocol list area 110, a selected protocols area 112, and a smarttype/find search area 114.

The anatomy selector/protocol filtering area 106 provides for selectionof a particular portion of the anatomy that will be scanned by way of anillustrated anatomy present therein. The anatomy selector/protocolfiltering area 106 also provides for selection of a particular protocolthat will be followed for performing a scan on the patient, with adesired protocol being selected from a menu of favorite protocols and amenu of other protocols that are displayed therein, as well as beingdisplayed in the protocol list area 110. Alternatively, a particularprotocol can be selected by typing search term(s) into the smarttype/find search area 114, with such a search having an auto-completetype feature (e.g., Google search) that provides possible suggestedprotocols to the technician. In evaluating protocols for selection, thetechnologist can reference the protocol notes area 108 to obtain moreinformation on each particular protocol that is being evaluated.

As shown in FIG. 6, any protocols that are selected by the technicianare shown in the selected protocols area 112 of the exam setup andprotocol select area 102. The technician is thus able to review a listof all protocols that have been selected for performing on the patientand can click on an “Accept” button 116 in the selected protocols area112 in order to confirm the selection of these protocols.

Any protocols that are selected and confirmed by a technician willappear in the patient area zone 54, which is shown in greater detail inFIG. 7. The patient area zone 54 encapsulates patient specificinformation at the exam level. The two main components within thepatient area zone 54 are a patient illustration 118 and a patientcollection 120. The patient/scanner illustration 118 in the upper leftcorner of the patient area zone 54 communicates six distinct pieces ofinformation: Patient Name, Patient ID, Exam Number, Patient Position andOrientation, Anatomy selection (based on protocol(s)), and GantryOrientation. The patient name is shown in the top right cornerunderneath the “SCANNING” label.

When a technician working on the user interface hovers the mouse cursorover the illustration 118, controls appear to indicate the possibilityof changing the position and orientation of the patient. There are twopossible gantry positions the illustration supports: facing away to theright and to the left. The appropriate orientation is set to reflect theactual physical orientation of the scanner. Having the orientation ofthe physical and the digital representation match should avoid anyconfusion when setting up the orientation of the patient. Areas of theanatomy covered by the selected protocols for the exam appearhighlighted in the illustration 118, such as the Chest, Abdomen andPelvis highlighted on patient illustration 118 in FIG. 7. These are thesame highlighted areas that the technologist will see in the anatomyselector/protocol filtering area 106 of the exam setup and protocolselect area 102 before creating the exam. A technologist should be ableto clearly see if there is a part of the anatomy being scanned thatshould not be by examining the patient area zone 54.

The patient collection 120 contains settings for Landmark Reference,Patient Orientation, Patient Position, Auto-Voice Language, and ClinicalApplication Identifier. As shown in FIG. 7, the patient collection 120is in an opened/expanded position so as to reveal the individualsettings; however, the patient collection 120 can also beclosed/collapsed to minimize the display of the collection.

Appearing directly below the patient area zone 54 on the left display ofthe user interface 42 is the task list zone 56, which is illustrated inmore detail in FIG. 8. The task list zone 56 of the user interfaceallows technologists to easily preview all steps prior to scanning. Thisvisualization of all the steps in the scanning process givestechnologists an opportunity to prepare, plan, and optimize the exam.This means that the technologist does not have to stop between each scanto adjust settings, allowing her to scan in quicker succession. The tasklist zone 56 helps guide the technologist through the process,increasing confidence, speed and patient safety.

At the highest level of the task list zone 56 are two main step orelement types, in the form of Series steps 122 and a Dose Report step124. Each of these main steps can contain sub-steps that will be visiblewhen opened. Prior to and during the scanning of a patient, the Seriessteps 122 are visible in the task list zone 56, whereas the Dose Reportstep 124 is not present before or during scanning. In FIG. 8, as anexample, three Series steps 122 are shown in the task list zone 56, withan opened Scout Series, an Abdomen (Abd) Series, and a Chest/Abd/PelvisSeries.

With respect to the Dose Report step 124, the Dose Report is the finalstep in the exam and is used to provide a dose summary. The Dose Report124 appears once all prior Series steps 122 in the task list 56 havebeen completed or when a Continue and/or Done Scanning button 126 ispressed. If a step is added to the end of the task list 56 after thelast step has already been completed, then the Dose Report 124disappears until the newly added step has been completed or removed. TheDose Report 124 is displayed prominently and in large text in the tasklist zone 56 in order to facilitate reading this report at a distance,such as by technologists entering Dose Report information into anothersystem across the room from the console.

With respect to the Series steps 122, a Series is defined as acollection of settings that are scanned together. Each Series step 122is displayed in the task list zone 56, with each Series step includingat least one Group sub-step (at minimum) 128 and one Scan sub-step 130.Each Series 122 has the potential to consist of a plurality of Groups128 and a Scan step, with a Contrast step (not shown) also beingincluded as required by the particular scan type. Each Group sub-step128 is a collection of settings that is conceptually the same. TheContrast step looks like a Group step and can be clicked at any time.There can only be one Contrast step within each Series and it willalways be the last step before the Scan step. The Scan sub-step 130 isalways present and is always the last sub-step within a Series 122. Toproceed to the Scan sub-step 130, all Group sub-steps 128 and theContrast step (if present) must be confirmed. At that point, the systemwill automatically proceed to the Scan sub-step 130.

Each Series 122 can be displayed in one of a number of states toindicate to a technician the present state of that Series. The number ofstates includes: Not Yet Scanned, Open, Confirmed, and Completed. When aSeries 122 is in an Open state, the Group sub-steps 128 and the Scansub-step 130 are displayed. Each Series 122, and the Group sub-steps 128included therein, can be placed into a Confirmed state via anaffirmative confirmation by the technician that the steps are ready toperform. Indication of such a Confirmed state can be by way of acheckmark 132 placed to the right of the Series and/or Group sub-steps.Upon completion of a Series 122, the Series can then be marked completeto indicate that the Series is finished.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, an exemplary Scout Series step 134 is shownaccording to an embodiment of the invention. As its name suggests, aScout Series 134 is used to acquire Scout images. A Scout Series 134always contains a Settings sub-step 136 as well as a Scan sub-step 138.The task list zone 56 can contain multiple Scout steps, which can beplaced anywhere in the list of Series steps to be performed. Forexample, if there are two Scout steps, a technologist has theflexibility to either acquire both dual Scouts upfront or one dual Scoutbefore the first Series step (e.g., Abdomen Series) and the second dualScout before the second Series step (e.g., Chest/Abd/Pelvis Series). AllScout steps associated with all chosen protocols will be added to thetask list zone 56. Additional Scout steps can be added or removed asdesired.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, two Scout Groups areincluded within the Scout Series 134, Scout 1 (A/P) 140 and Scout 2(Lateral) 142. As shown in FIG. 9, when the Settings sub-step 136 isselected by the technician, the task list zone 56 is expanded to reveala scout zone 144 that enables the prescribing of the two Scout scans140, 142. In the scout zone 144, all Scout settings for each Group 140,142 are displayed in the open settings collection state aligned beneaththe Group title at the top of each of a pair of settings columns 146. Asettings column 146 is presented for each Scout scan to allow thetechnician to individually change any unlocked settings in a Scout Group140, 142 or make a global change to all Groups. A “Confirm Settings”button 148 is provided in scout zone 144 below the settings columns 146.Settings for both Scout Scan Groups 140, 142 are approved by clicking onthe “Confirm Settings” button 148.

Also included in the scout zone 144 is a timeline 150 for the Scoutseries acquisition, with the timeline 150 consisting of a number of scansections 152, 154 that are equal to the number of scout scan groups 140,142. A Scout scan is represented within the timeline 150 as thinconstant bars running the entire length of the timeline. According toone embodiment, if the two Scout steps 140, 142 in the Scout series 134are being performed back-to-back, a delay is automatically created andinserted between the two scan sections allowing enough time for thetable to return to its original position to acquire the second Scoutscan.

Referring now to FIG. 10, upon clicking on the “Confirm Settings” button148 (FIG. 9), the user interface 142 then proceeds to the Scan sub-step138 of the Scout Series 134 for performing of the Scout series scans.When the two scout scans 140, 142 are acquired, viewports 156, 158 (inviewport zone 62, as shown in FIG. 3) on the left display 44 are used todisplay both scouts simultaneously, with the first scout scan 140 beingshown in the top viewport 156 and the second scout scan 142 being shownin the bottom viewport 158.

When the Scout Series has been scanned and the acquired image set hasbeen approved, the system automatically opens the next Series in theTask List 56. Referring to FIG. 11, as an example, a Chest/Abd/PelvisSeries 160 is opened, with two Group sub-steps 162, 164 and a Contraststep 166 included therein for completion. As shown in FIG. 11, when aGroup sub-step 162, 164 in the Series 162 is open, a settings zone 168corresponding to that Group sub-step is displayed. The settings zone 168enables reviewing of all settings at a glance with minimal interaction,so as to allow the actions of technologists to be directed andgoal-driven rather than requiring them to do a lot of clicking just todouble-check that everything is okay. The settings are divided into twoareas, including a list view 170 of all settings on the left and aconfigurable and context relevant visual widget area 172, i.e., a “QuickSetting” area, on the right. Each of these supports the initial need toquickly review all settings defined in the Series protocol. Upondetermining that action needs to be taken, the technologist can engageby either opening a settings collection from list view 170 ormanipulating a widget from Quick Settings area 172, at which point thedesign focus shifts to allowing for clear, meaningful action thatvisually records the changes made in both an absolute sense and inrelative relationship to dose. As seen in FIG. 11, the settings zone 168is organized in logical collections containing three or more settings ineach, with each collection being separated with a horizontal line. Thesettings are always in a set order and cannot be reorganized, so as topromote consistency and minimize confusion that could be caused byvariable configurations. A “Confirm Settings” button 174 is provided atthe bottom of the settings zone 168 to confirm the settings for a Groupsub-step scan.

As shown in FIG. 11, the all settings list view 170 includes allsettings that are available and relevant for the particular scan beingperformed. The nature of certain settings will dictate which collectionsand settings are available, with only applicable collections andsettings being visible. Thus, as shown in FIG. 11, only settingsrelevant to a Chest/Abd/Pelvis Series scan are displayed. With respectto the relevant settings for the particular scan being performed, thesetting are provided as settings collections 176 that are included inthe all setting list 170, with each collection of settings 176 being ina closed state or an open state. As illustrated in FIG. 11, each closedcollection 176 consists of a title with a unique icon to the left thatrepresents the identity of the collection. In this state, some or allvalues of the parameters are viewable beneath the collection title in asingle row. These values are separated by a forward slash, with thevalues using a different color. The rationale behind this closed statedesign (not keeping all the collections open all the time) is that itconsiderably minimizes the amount of perceived clutter of the userinterface while still keeping all the settings in view, withoutrequiring the technologist to scroll to see them. This gives thetechnologist instant visual access to the relevant information, albeitabbreviated. Although it might initially appear that just having thevalues without their respective labels at a glance is confusing, theconsistent organization of the values, i.e., collection the valuebelongs to, position of the value in the row (whether it the first onein this collection or the third one) and the nature of the value (40.0vs 500 vs 0.35 vs Full), allows for easy interpretation and familiarityover time.

If more details are required, each collection of settings 176 can bechanged from the closed state to the open state by way of a single clickaway, so as to expand the closed collection and reveal the details forall the settings in that collection. An example of a collection ofsettings 176 in an open state is illustrated in FIG. 12, where the CoreSettings and mA collections are open. In the open state, the collectiontitle and the icon remain visible and in the same position as the closedstate and the settings are organized within the “frame” in a two-columnvertical list. The left column 178 provides the titles of the settings,and the right column 180 contains the values. The setting value isunderlined if it can be altered by the technologist. If the value islocked, there is no underline and a small lock icon signals that thetechnologist is not able to change the setting. Even though the settingis locked, it is displayed so that it can be reviewed. This allows thetechnologist to double-check the setting, offering a degree ofvalidation and confidence to move forward. If the technologist questionsthe value, she can contact a lead technologist or radiologist (i.e.,colleague with authority to approve and/or modify this setting) beforeinitiating the scan.

With respect to the underlined settings that can be altered by atechnologist, a color coding scheme is applied to identify settingvalues that have been changed (either directly or indirectly) and othersetting values that might need attention based on any such changes. Forexample, if a value is changed by the technologist, the setting name andits value displays a white background highlight 182. The white changeindicator allows for quickly discerning which settings have been alteredfrom the original protocol. This “at a glance” means of communicatingthat a value has changed also makes it easier for collaboratingtechnologists to determine whether a colleague made a change to theprotocol while the other was performing another task (e.g., steppingaway from the console to help the patient). Additional changes tosetting values made by the system, in response to a user change, willbriefly pulse white three times and also be colored white. A valuechanged directly by the technician will have both the white background182 and the input method 184 visible, while a value that was indirectlychanged will only have the white background. The combination of thechange indicator and the “click-to-edit” will reveal which of thechanges were made directly or indirectly by the technologist. If a valuehas been changed, and hence has a white highlight, and is then changedback to its original value defined in the protocol, the white highlightwill disappear. In addition to the highlighting in white of a settingvalue that has been changed, changes that need attention (e.g., aclipped rotation in a modulated mA scan) will be colored orange and theConfirm Settings button 174 (FIG. 11) will still be active or available.Also, changes initiated by the user, that are not allowed and result inone or multiple system settings changes that need user attention, willbe colored orange, with the Confirm Settings button then being grayedout.

Referring still to FIG. 12, if changing a setting impacts the predicteddose, the effect on dose (+/−DLP) temporarily appears in line with thevalue as a dose impact indicator (DII) 186, giving the technologistinstant feedback. If the change is positive (increase in dose), a plussign (“+”) precedes the DII number 186 and the surrounding background isyellow. If the change is negative (less dose), a minus sign (“−”)precedes the number and the surrounding background is a more neutralhue. The DII 186 will remain visible until a change to a differentsetting has been made. The number shown is always relative to thecurrent projected dose, which means that changing a value such as kV“120” to kV “140”, will not always result in the same DII valuedepending on the sequence of events. For example, imagine the projecteddose is 1000 DLP and the technologist increases kV from “120” to “140”.The DII 186 will display a change, say “+n %”, and the impact its changehad on the overall projected dose is now 1150 DLP.

Referring back now to FIG. 11, it is seen that the Quick Settings area172 contains an assortment of visual settings widgets 188. These widgets188 serve as an alternative to changing settings via the All Settingslist 170 and represent either a single setting or a combination ofsettings based upon their design. If a change to a setting's value ismade using a widget 188 it is reflected in the All Settings list 170(e.g., such as the mA change shown in FIG. 12) and vice versa. Thecurrently supported quick setting widgets 188 include: kV, Manual mA,AutomA/SmartmA or modulated mA, and Biopsy. The Quick Settings Area 172is designed to be flexible enough to support current and future visualsettings widgets. The widgets 188 shown in this area can vary betweendifferent protocols and across tasks within the left display (scan) tasklist 56. The lead technologist or radiologist can determine the presetgroup of visible widgets 188 appropriate for each protocol. This presetgroup can provide guidance as to what settings are “key” to the specificprotocol and are more likely to need adjusting. The operatingtechnologist can then choose to show or hide these and additionalwidgets 188 via the context menu 190 in the upper right corner.

When reviewing or changing settings in settings zone 168, a ScanTimeline 192 is always visible above the settings zone on the leftdisplay 44, as shown in FIG. 11. The Scan Timeline 192 also remainspresent during the Scan sub-step 130. The Scan Timeline 192 firstappears after the Confirm Settings button 174 has been selected andprior to starting of the scan. The critical parameters associated withthe scan type about to be scanned will displayed to the technologist,just beneath the Scan Timeline 192, supporting a final quality processcheck before irradiating x-ray. The Scan Timeline 192 represents allgroups within the currently selected series (e.g., Chest/Abd/Pelvis) andhas a background highlight indicating which particular group isselected. The Scan Timeline 192 indicates the overall time required tocomplete a scan for a particular Group, as well as the speed at whichthe scan will occur. According to an embodiment of the invention, theScan Timeline 192 has three different visual treatments depending on thetype of scan being run: Axial, CINE, Helical, Scout, or SmartPrepMonitor. If a single Series includes Groups with different scan types,then each respective segment 194, 196 of the Scan Timeline 192 willvisually reflect the appropriate scan type for that Group. Each Groupmay have a delay before beginning the scan, with the delays beingrepresented on the Scan Timeline 192 in the form of a delay indicator198 that is in the form of a blue circle. The size of the delayindicator 198 is always consistent, regardless of the amount of timerepresented. Choosing a consistent shape/size for the delay regardlessof time helps to emphasize the areas of the scan timeline 192 deliveringdose. If delays were represented in a linear fashion, both the delaysand the scan segments would have to be scaled smaller to fit within theviewable area, making it very difficult or near impossible toeffectively view.

As further shown in FIG. 11, when a Group sub-step 162, 164 in theSeries 160 is open, a visually prominent, dedicated dose area zone 200is displayed beneath the settings zone 168 so as to clearly indicate tothe technologist the impact of the exam settings. Within this dose areazone 200, technologists confirm exam settings and can view a simple dosevisualization, both of which are designed to help ensure that thetechnologists are making informed decisions regarding dose. The dosearea zone 200 includes the “Total Accumulated Dose” 124 value at thebottom of task list zone 56, and displays the amount of radiation thepatient has already received during the course of the exam. This numberincreases to reflect every scan performed on the patient. The total doseamount 124 is associated with the entire exam versus only a particularSeries or Group. Therefore, it resides below the Task List 56 as asummary for the entire exam. Also included in the dose area zone 200 isa “Projected Dose” 202 that displays a projected summary of the dose fora particular Group. This value is visible while the technologist isviewing settings for a Group 162, 164 and updates immediately as changesto settings are being made within the Group.

As further shown in FIG. 11, a dose range indicator (DRI) 204 is alsoincluded in the dose area zone 200 and is a visual representation ofdose that provides the technologist with a reference point to help basehis/her decision for what is an acceptable dose. It is understood that avarying degree of radiation is necessary for different body types, inorder to produce images that are high enough in quality for diagnosis.The DRI illustration 204 helps the technologist perform a “sanity check”on the dose amount by factoring in these different body types. The DRI204 compares historic dose information with the current projected dose202 for a specific protocol (it should be displayed within all Groupsfor the protocol, but not in the scan step since multiple Groups mightbe scanned, at which point the DRI is no longer useful). The DRI 204indicates where the projected dose 202 for the particular protocol fallswithin a normal distribution curve, making it clear to the technologisthow, and to what degree, the scan deviates from or falls within theaverage. The goal of the DRI 204 is to provide the technologist withgreater awareness and control of an acceptable dose amount withouthaving them rely upon the overall maximum recommended dose value (whichmight be much higher than necessary).

According to an exemplary embodiment, a dose check function is providedby the user interface 42 in the dose area zone 200. The dose checkinforms operators when scan settings would likely exceed pre-assigneddose thresholds (i.e., thresholds established by the healthcare providerbased on their practice) and when the projected dose 202 for an examexceeds the recommended maximum for a particular protocol. This allowstechnicians to confirm correct settings, prior to scanning, which mightotherwise lead to unnecessary high levels of radiation exposure. Thedose check function compares the estimated exposure from current scansettings to two different thresholds prior to scanning. NotificationValues and Alert Values. The dose check function allows users to set aNotification Value that informs them when a scan prescription coulddeliver an x-ray dose over the Notification Value. The dose checkfunction also allows users to set Alert Values that informs users when ascan prescription could deliver an x-ray dose that could result indeterministic effects. According to embodiments of the invention, alertscan be provided to the technician in the dose area zone 200 in someform. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 13, a highlighted alertwindow 206 appears extending up from the dose area zone 200 that warnsthe technologist that the current dose settings have exceeded therecommended maximum for this scan. Confirm and Cancel buttons 208, 210are presented in the alert window 206 that allow the technician toaffirmatively confirm the settings or cancel out of the settings.According to additional embodiments, alerts can be provided to thetechnician in the form of the dose area zone 200 changing from blue tored or a disabling of the “Confirm Settings” button 174, making it veryclear that this is a serious situation that needs to be carefullyconsidered by the technologist.

Upon confirming the settings for the Group sub-step(s) in a Series, theScan sub-step of the Series is entered, such as for the Abdomen Series208 illustrated in FIG. 14. When performing the Scan sub-step 210 forthe Abdomen Series 208, the entire Series 210 in the Task List 56visually connects to a scanning area/zone 212 to the right of the tasklist zone 56 by having the same background color thereas. When in theScan sub-step 210, a Timeline 214 is presented in scanning zone 212(i.e., a timeline for each Group in the Series), along with key settings216 that can be further reviewed/revisited/changed, if desired. Alsopresented while in the Scan sub-step 210 are the Projected Dose 202 inthe dose zone area 200 and viewports 156, 158 for displaying scanimages.

The Scan Timeline 214 is a linear representation of the scanningsegments within a Series and represents the state and behavior of eachscanning segment (Group) along with additional steps based upon theirparticular types, including helical, axial, scout, delay scans, andSmart Prep (i.e., contrast), with each type being presenteddistinctively. Prior to scanning, all of the segments are representedalong the timeline 214 but are visually “faded”. Once the scanningprocess has begun, the Scan Timeline 214 becomes activated and providesa highlighted graphical progress indicator 218 of the scan. Thishighlighted marker 218 moves from left to right within the timeline 214,representing the particular point in the scan that is currentlyexecuting. As this highlighted marker 218 continues to move forward, theoriginally faded timeline area it passes “fills in” with a richer blueand brighter white color, for example.

The scan timeline 214 auto-scales in length proportionately to the totalscan time, including any prep delays, to fit the area of the leftmonitor screen 44 allocated to it. When a section of the timeline 214 iscompletely filled in (be it a delay or a scan), the next section of thetimeline automatically begins. If this automatic behavior is notdesired, a technologist can create two separate Series in the Task List56 instead of using two Groups. Under the timeline 214, a time (andspeed) indicator 220 is displayed in white communicating how much timethe particular scan will take. This number 220 remains white until thescan begins. Then, once begun, the number 220 turns yellow and countsdown to reflect the remaining time for this step. The timeline 214includes subtle vertical lines marking every second, with a very longscan therefore having many lines, whereas a shorter scan will onlydisplay a few lines.

As shown in FIG. 14, the key settings 216 for each Group to be scannedare listed immediately below the Scan Timeline 214, as required byregulations, with the Projected Dose Area 202 located below the keysettings 216. The viewports 156, 158 associated with the Scan sub-step210 are positioned to the right of the Scan Timeline 214 and the keysettings area 216. Two viewports 156, 158 are provided on the leftdisplay 44, with the viewports 156, 158 being dedicated to the scanningprocess. An Auto-Link Viewport 156 on the left display is responsiblefor displaying the primary recon or preview images being acquired inreal-time, as each image is reconstructed. A Navigation Viewport 158 isalso provided in which the user can page through any images in theprimary recon of the scan that is currently being acquired or was justacquired. Images are added to the Navigation viewport 158 as soon asthey are reconstructed, but the viewport never automatically pages tothe new image. Clicking within the Navigation Viewport 158 will cause itto be “selected” and, once the viewport is selected, the technician canuse the “Page Up” and “Page Down” keys to navigate through the images.The left display Navigation Viewport 158 will be automatically selectedwhen a new scan begins, ensuring that the technologist can immediatelynavigate through the newly acquired image set without additional steps.

Prior to scanning, the Auto-Link and Navigation Viewports 156, 158 arepopulated with images associated with the Scout scans (i.e., Scout 1 andScout 2, respectively). White semi-transparent rectangles on the Scoutimages mark the area that is about to be scanned (see FIG. 11). Alsoprior to scanning, the Dose Area 200 displays the total projected dosefor the Series (all Groups) that will be administered if the scan buttonis pressed. When a Scan/Pause button 218 (appearing as “Scan” before thescan is initiated) is pressed, key settings 216 associated with a Groupstep currently being performed are temporarily highlighted and bothviewports appear empty (or “blank”) until the first Scan image isavailable, at which point the Auto-Link and Navigation Viewports 156,158 are populated as the images are acquired, as shown in FIG. 14. Inthe Dose Area, the Scan/Pause button 218 is then caused to appear as“Pause” upon pressing of the scan button. After a scan has beencompleted, the images can be approved by the technologist, therebycausing the Task List 56 to move down to the next Series (if any) andkick-off the post-processing items for all Groups in the current Seriesfor which the scan was just completed.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the AV andNavigation viewports 156, 158 on left display 44 can be expanded to alarger size, as shown in FIG. 15, by clicking an “expand” icon (notshown). The expanded viewport 220 appears on the same display as it'snormal state, with the image presentation and the viewport remaining inthe exact same state in the expanded size as in the normal size. Theexpanded viewport layout 220 contains a sidebar 222 with additionaltools that allow the technologist to perform functions such asmanipulating and annotating the image. The tools in sidebar 222 areorganized in collections that can be opened or closed.

Referring now to FIG. 16, and with respect to the post-processing tasksinitiated after completion of a scan, the CT user interface 42 utilizesthe entire right display 46 for post-processing, creating thepossibility for parallel workflows that avoid traditional bottlenecks.As shown in FIG. 16, a Post-Processing Panel or Zone 64 is provided onthe right display 46 into which all post-processing tasks areconsolidated, so as to provide the technologist with a quick overview ofwhat post-processing is required for a protocol/exam and allow thetechnologist to manage all post-processing activities in one place,including: setup, monitoring, and transferring. Additionalpost-processing tasks during the scan process by way of thepost-processing zone 64, including Recons and manual and automaticReformats, with a technologist being able to choose to set up thesetasks directly before scanning a series, set up all post-processingbefore doing any scans, or scan the patient first and then set up thepost-processing.

Used in conjunction with the post-processing panel/zone 64 are viewportson the right display 46 are shown that are used in post-processing. Asshown in FIG. 14, four viewports 224, 226, 228, 230 on the right display46 are shown that are used in post-processing, including an Auto-LinkViewport 224 for displaying images that are rendered during thepost-processing process and three Navigation Viewports 226, 228, 230that allow the technologist to load and navigate through any finishedRecon/Reformat image set from the post-processing list 64. The viewports224, 226, 228, 230 on the right display 46 are spatially oriented andplaced in context to what function they are serving.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, any image setfrom a right display Navigation Viewport 224 can be loaded into aFloating Viewport (not shown). There is only one Floating Viewportdisplayed at a time, so loading additional image sets will add them tothe Floating Viewport rather than create a new one. Image sets in theleft head Navigation Viewport 156 (FIG. 14) cannot be loaded into aFloating Viewport because they have not yet been approved. The FloatingViewport is at a layer within the user interface that is higher than thetabs 94 in the tab zone 52 (FIG. 5) and is therefore not constrained toany particular tab and can be used to compare images across patients andexams. The Floating Viewport is thus designed to be moved and resizedanywhere within the display area. However, as the Floating Viewportcovers/obscures all other elements within the user interface 42, theFloating Viewport is constrained to the right display 46 only to preventobscuring settings and other critical scan information on the leftdisplay 44.

With respect to the processing and image display associated withpost-processing, the Post-Processing Zone 64 on the right display 46includes a Post-Processing Task List 231 forming a left column of thePost-Processing Zone 64 and a display tools area 232 forming a rightcolumn of the Post-Processing Zone 64, with a content of the displaytools area 232 varying based on an operator's use of the of thePost-Processing Zone 64 and possibly displaying basic viewer tools 233(as shown in FIG. 16, an Edit Settings Panel 234 (FIG. 17A), a DPMRapplication 235 (FIG. 17B), or an AW application 236 (FIG. 17C).

The Post-Processing Task List 231 allows a technologist to definetransfer hosts for individual Recons and Reformats, AW advancedapplications, as well as monitor both the creation and transfer of thoseimage sets. As shown in FIG. 16, the task list 231 lists the Series 237that are similarly defined in the Task List Zone 56 of the left display44 (FIG. 8), and are named accordingly. Under each Post Processing scanseries 237 are the Recons 238, Reformats 239, and AW task bars 240 thatcan be prescribed via protocol or before or after an exam. To the rightof each series title is a context menu 241 that allows the technologistto create a new Recon at any time. According to embodiments of theinvention, the context menu 241 may provide for Recon of the entireanatomy scanned within the scan series, Recon of a particular scan groupwithin the scan series, or Recon of a unique area within all anatomyareas scanned.

In an exemplary embodiment, each Recon and Reformat task bar 238, 239serves as both a process status indicator for the image set it isresponsible for as well as a means to toggle the visibility of itssettings. To edit a Recon, the technologist can click on a particularRecon task bar 238 and it will open the Edit Settings Panel 234 (FIG.17A) in the display tools area 232 to the right of task list 231 toallow the technologist to make changes to the settings. For example,Recon Settings, Anatomy Selection, Cardiac (if applicable/available),Output Options, and Transfer Options, may all be edited in the editsettings panel 234. Each Recon task bar 238 also includes a drop downcontext menu 242 that allows the technologist to duplicate the currentrecon to create a new one, create a new Reformat based upon the Reconimage data, and/or send the Recon image data to a specific AW tool tocreate a Reformat or perform any other relevant AW task. Similarly, toedit a Reformat, the technologist can click on a particular Reformattask bar 239 and it will open the DPMR application 235 (FIG. 17B) indisplay tools area 232, with the DPMR application providing for viewingof all reformats, editing the name of the reformat or any settings ofany reformat, and editing transfer settings. The user can thus manuallyedit the Reformat as desired via the DPMR application 235.

To communicate the processing status of a Recon/Reformat, the statusbars 238, 239, 240 are color coded to indicate the processing status.For example, the status bars 238, 239, 240 may be color coded such thatWhite (solid) indicates that Processing has not started, Gray withdiagonal hash marks indicates Current processing, Gray (solid) indicatescompleted processing, Orange hash marks (still) indicate that the MPR isready to be defined (i.e., as soon as the Recon is done, the MPRs can bedefined and started), and Gray with diagonal hash marks indicate that anMPR has been defined but has not yet started (still hash marks) and/orthat the MPR has reached the top of the processing queue and thatprocessing has begun (hash marks moving).

Also included in the post-processing task list 231 is a plurality oficons that provides more information on a specific Recon, Reformat, orAW task bar 238, 239, 240. One such icon is included in front of thecontrol for each Reformat or AW task 239, 240, where there is anindicator 243 of the task type. These indicator icons 243 cancommunicate that the Reformat that has been defined, that the Reformatdoes not have a protocol and therefore requires the user to define itssettings manually, or if a task is an AW task. To the far right of eachRecon, Reformat, or AW task bar 238, 239, 240 is the series number 244that will be or has been assigned to that image series. For multi-groupacquisitions, an anatomy label 245 to the right of the Recon bar 238indicates the part of the scanned anatomy the Recon is covering, such asan “ALL” label if the Recon start and end points correspond exactly withthe entire scan acquisition or a “G1” label if the Recon start and endpoints correspond exactly with a single scan group. A viewport icon 246is selectively displayed to the right of the anatomy label 245 as soonas any image exists for an image series, with the viewport iconindicating which viewport each image series is displayed in.

Referring again to FIG. 16, also included on right display is a statusarea zone 66 designed to communicate and enable several system statesand functions of the CT scanner and console. It also allows forswitching between separate Scanning, Protocol Management, and Servicemodes. All information within the status area zone 66 is examindependent, which is why it is separated spatially from thepost-processing task bar 231 of Post-Processing Zone 64. As shown inFIG. 16, the status area zone 66 is located within the topmost bar ofthe right display 46. Icons 250 found in the status area zone 66 aredesigned using neutral shades of color for normal or expectedoperational conditions so as not to be intrusive. Color and additionaltext is reserved for when a technologist needs to take action. Drop-downmenus are presented after clicking any icon, which allows for variousactions to be taken. The Mode icon 252 is the first icon starting at theleft-hand position within the status area. To change modes, atechnologist can click the icon and a different mode can be selectedfrom the drop-down menu, selecting from a scanning mode, protocolmanagement mode, or service mode. This icon will change to reflect thecurrent mode selected. The tube icon 254 provides information (e.g.,tube temperature information) and functions in response to the currentstate of the scanner x-ray tube and is the second icon from the left.The available disk space icon 256 communicates the amount of availabledisk space on the system, with different warning levels being set by thelead technologist.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the file manager zone 68 included on the rightdisplay 46 is shown in an opened state. The file manager zone 68 is oneof two “drawers” (the other is the Scheduler Zone 50) within the userinterface 42 that are consistently present in either a closed or openstate. The file manager zone 68 is located on and anchored to the rightside of the right display 46. Because the file manager zone 68 is afeature associated with the console as a whole, and not a particularexam, it exists on a higher layer than any tabs that might be open. Therationale for this design is that it allows a technologist to access thefile manager zone 68 at any point, quickly handling unexpectedsituations or pulling up past scans. Tasks enabled by the file managerzone 68 generally include setting up future and/or final steps in anyworkflow, thus it is found on the right side of the right display 46 inorder to reinforce the left-to-right workflow concept embodied by theuser interface 42 architecture.

The file manager zone 68 serves several main functions including: examorganization and status, access to files, opening an exam, quickviewing, and quick networking. On the left side of the open file managerzone 68 is the exam list 260, containing all current and previous examsthat are still stored on the console. At least one of these exams isalways selected (by default the latest exam). There are three sortablecolumns of information: Name, Exam, and Date. An exam appears in theexam list 260 once the first image is captured from the first step inthe Task List 56 (FIG. 8). At the bottom of the list 260 is a search box262 that can be used to find specific exams based upon keywords. Thereare also two icon columns that are used to inform the technologist aboutthe state of the exam: Exam Status 264 and Data Status 266. There arethree different types of icons that will appear within the Exam Statuscolumn 264 when applicable, including: Patient on Table, displays anicon of a person to the left of the patient name if the exam is open andthat patient is currently on the table; Open Tab, displays a tab/foldericon to the left of the patient name if the exam tab is currently open,but the patient is not on the table; and Post-Processing Not Finished,displays an empty, dotted outline of a cube to the left of the patientname if the exam tab is not currently open and post-processing for theexam is not 100% complete (automatic or manual).

Selecting an exam from the Exam List 264 will open it in the SelectedExam area 268 on the right side of the File Manager zone 68. A FinalDose Report, List of Recons and Reformats, and all images associatedwith the exam are then available to be previewed. The Full Dose Reportprovides a complete summary of the dosage from the exam (similar to thedose report used in the traditional GE CT UI) and appears as the firstlist item in the Selected Exam area. The list of Recons and Reformatsassociated with the selected exam are organized in a similar manner tohow they are structured within the Post-Processing Area. Each Recon inthe list includes a Recon icon, the name of the Recon filter, the slicethickness and the total number of images. Slightly indented below aRecon are the associated Reformats. Each Reformat includes the type(e.g., “DMPR” or “Manual Reformat”) and thickness, as well as the totalnumber of images. Upon selecting any of the Recons or Reformats theywill be previewed in the Image Preview viewport 270 located in the lowerright side of the file manager zone 68.

The “Open Exam” button 272 found within the Selected Exam area 268allows a technologist to reopen an exam tab 94, which will return thattab to the exact same state as when it was closed. Therefore, if an examwas aborted prior to completing post-processing, it can be reopened anda technologist can continue from where they left off. Additionally, atechnologist or radiologist can review all of the steps, settings, andpost-processing actions that were taken during the exam for qualityassurance, research, or training purposes.

By way of the post-processing zone, status area zone, and file managerzone, the right display 46 thus provides a technologist with anorganized and efficient mechanism for handling all post-processingtasks. By utilizing the entire right display for post-processing, thepossibility for parallel workflows is created that avoid traditionalbottlenecks. Additionally, by consolidating all the post-processingtasks into one area, this provides the technologist with a quickoverview of what post-processing is required for a protocol/exam, with atechnologist being able to manage all post-processing activities in oneplace, including: setup, monitoring, and transferring.

In addition to the above features found on user interface 42 set forthabove, and the corresponding benefits provided by such features, it isrecognized that the user interface is configured a flexible, extensibleuser interface that can be adapted to meet specific needs of atechnologist. Set forth below are two examples of the ability of theuser interface 42 to provide/meet the unique functionality or needsassociated with particular scanning protocols.

Referring to FIG. 19, as a first example, presentations provided by theleft display for a contrast scan are provided. It is recognized that thestandard of care for contrast enhanced CT studies is manual “Timingbolus” or a semi-automatic/dynamic contrast enhancement technique called“SmartPrep”. Smart Prep and Timing bolus are two ways of determining theinitial delay for a scan when using a contrast agent and, in essence,are tools for acquiring images to use for calculation instead ofdiagnosis. When performing a contrast scan, a Contrast sub-step 274 isadded to a Series step in the Task List 56, regardless of whether itinvolves Smart Prep or Timing Bolus. If the Contrast sub-step 274 is notconfigured as part of the protocol, it can be added to any Series stepvia the context menu 276 in the upper right corner of the Task List 56.

A Contrast sub-step 274 works very much like any other sub-step, in thatit can be viewed (selected) and confirmed at any time on left display44. However, as shown in FIG. 19, the layout of a contrast zone 278associated with the Contrast sub-step 274 is different from the layoutfor other Group sub-steps. That is, contrast zone 278 features aDouble-Size Viewport 280 and a single, narrower, settings panel 282 onthe left. This panel 282 includes a Scan Timeline 284 at the top,settings and tools 286, and a Dose Area 288 at the bottom. The specificcontent of the panel 282 is dictated by the value of the Type setting290 within the Contrast Collection, i.e., “Smart Prep”, “Timing Bolus”,or “Unaided”—with FIG. 19 illustrating a Timing Bolus presentation, asan example. In use, an image acquisition from a contrast scan results inan initial axial image that is needed to place the ROI being loaded intothe viewport 280. After an image has been acquired, a small thumbnailimage 292 of the previously acquired Scout appears to the left of the“Acquire Image” button 294. This thumbnail 292 allows a technologist totoggle between the Scout and Contrast images. Once an image is acquiredand visible in the viewport 280, ROI Placement tools 296 are enabled andcan be used to specify the ROI. The settings listed in the collectionswill change to reflect the settings used when acquiring the image beingviewed. The location in which the technologist places the ROI, and thesettings associated with that image acquisition, will be used during themonitor phase in the Scan step when acquiring additional images.

Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, as a second example, presentationsprovided by the left and right displays 44, 46 for a cardiac scan areprovided. Performing a cardiac scan requires additional cardiac-specificuser interface components and settings to be available to atechnologist. As shown in FIG. 20, on the left display 44, thesecomponents/settings are provided in a cardiac zone 300 and include theECG Monitor 302, Gating & Monitoring Collection 304, and individualsettings within existing collections such as Cardiac Mode 306 within theScan Type Collection 308. The ECG Monitor 203 appears at the top of themain area above the timeline 310 for use in cardiac scans. Above theR-to-R Interval value 312, a small heart icon 314 flashes to reflect thepatient heartbeat (BPM). A small white dot 316 above each peak markseach R-to-R Interval visually on the ECG trace 302. The user interfacearchitecture can also support potential cardiac-related widgets 318 inthe Quick Settings area 320, to be added as necessary. As shown in FIG.21, with respect to the right display, a Gating & Monitoring Collection322 is added to the Recon Settings for cardiac scan types within thepost-processing panel 236.

The availability of Contrast and Cardiac-specific components andsettings is a strong example of how the user interface has been designedto have a flexible architecture. While these two specific examples ofparticular scanning protocols have been set forth above with respect tothe flexibility/extensibility of the user interface 42 to provide/meetthe unique functionality or needs associated with such protocols, it isrecognized that additional components and settings can be added to theuser interface to meet any type of scan types that may be developedgoing forward to meet the specific requirements of such protocols. Inmeeting the requirements of those protocols, the architecture of theuser interface is such that the interface will maintain consistentpatterns of behavior, while adapting to specific needs and reducingclutter when a component or setting is irrelevant.

Beneficially, embodiments of the invention thus provide a dual displayCT user interface that offers technologists the confidence andfunctionality to complete scans more efficiently and to do so whileimproving quality assurance and better protecting patient health. Theuser interface design facilitates multitasking by breaking the trade-offbetween the number of parallel tasks performed and the likelihood oferror and also facilitates improved radiation decision making byoffering better visibility into dose and image quality trade-offs. Theuser interface design also provides radiologists with remote oversightcapability and offer technologists flexibility to reduce process steps,including shortcut customization in places. The user interface designreduces the post-processing burden for technologists by automating taskspreviously requiring manual attention and provides a framework tosupport an open protocol ecosystem that allows hospitals to shareprotocols and workflow best practices.

The dual display CT user interface also beneficially provides a workflowdesign framework that supports the steps/activities performed by thetechnologist associated with one or more scans. The left display isresponsible for scanning—including setting up a new patient to scan andacquiring and verifying the scan image data—while the right display isresponsible for post-processing—serving as a dashboard of Recons andReformats that the technologist can glance through and verify whatprocesses are configured, started, need attention, completed, or havebeen transferred. By organizing workflow activities within logicalgroupings on the left and right displays, technologists are able tofocus on a particular task and multitasking constraints are alleviated.Clear, distinct identities for the displays containing the architectureare developed and incorporated into the user interface. As it isrecognized that the scanning step demands the most focused attentionfrom the technologist, the user interface displays arestructured/laid-out to support this focused attention, providing onlythe necessary tools and views that the technologist needs in order toperform specific activities. That is, the user interface displays to atechnician only those tools/settings that are required to perform aspecific case, with a simple example being in cardiac CT, where contextsensitive Cardiac user interface components are only provided during theCardiac exam, and other, unnecessary general user interface elementsretreat to the background so as to simplify the user interface.

Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, a userinterface for a CT imaging system includes a first display configured toenable an operator to perform set-up and scanning tasks associated withperforming a CT exam on one or more patients, with the set-up andscanning tasks including acquiring and verifying scan image data. Theuser interface also includes a second display configured to enable theoperator to perform image post-processing tasks associated with the CTexams on the one or more patients, with the image post-processing tasksincluding performing image reconstructions and reformats. Each of thefirst display and the second display are operable independent from oneanother to provide for parallel workflows between the first display andsecond display and between the patient set-up and scanning tasks and thepost-processing tasks.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a user interface for aCT imaging system includes a first display configured to enable anoperator to perform set-up and scanning tasks associated with performinga CT exam on one or more patients and a second display configured toenable the operator to perform image post-processing tasks associatedwith the CT exams on the one or more patients. Each of the first displayand the second display are configured to display a plurality of distinctdisplay zones thereon, with the plurality of display zones including atabs zone on the first display comprising a plurality of tabs eachdirected to a distinct subject, wherein selection of one of theplurality of tabs by the operator causes subject specific and scanspecific information to be displayed on the first and second displays.The plurality of display zones also includes a task list zone on thefirst display that is configured to display all steps in a CT scan for asubject selected via a tab in the tabs zone and enable operatorselection of a particular step, settings and scanning zones on the firstdisplay that are configured to display the subject specific and scanspecific information for a respective subject whose tab is selected anda respective step selected in the task list zone, and a post-processingzone on the second display that is configured to enable the operator tomanage post-processing set-up, monitoring, and transferring tasks for aCT scan that has been performed. The plurality of distinct display zoneson the first and second displays enable the operator to performworkflows on multiple subjects and enable simultaneous usage of thefirst display and the second display by multiple operators.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a CT imagingsystem includes a rotatable gantry having a gantry opening to receive asubject to be scanned, a high frequency electromagnetic energyprojection source configured to project a high frequency electromagneticenergy beam toward the subject, a detector array configured to detecthigh frequency electromagnetic energy passing through the subject andgenerate a detector output responsive thereto, a data acquisition system(DAS) connected to the detector array and configured to receive thedetector output, and an image reconstructor connected to the DAS andconfigured to reconstruct one or more images of the subject from thedetector output received by the DAS. The CT imaging system also includesa user interface configured to be usable by an operator to set scanrelated parameters and perform scan related tasks and observe the one ormore reconstructed images generated by the image reconstructor, with theuser interface further including a first display configured to enablethe operator to perform set-up and scanning tasks for one or morepatients including acquiring and verifying scan image data and a seconddisplay configured to enable the operator to perform imagepost-processing tasks including reconstructions and reformats. Each ofthe first display and the second display are configured to display aplurality of distinct display zones thereon, with each of the pluralityof display zones being dedicated to a specified task associated with aCT scanning process of the subjects.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A user interface for a computed tomography (CT)imaging system, the user interface comprising: a first displayconfigured to enable an operator to perform set-up and scanning tasksassociated with performing a CT exam on one or more patients, the set-upand scanning tasks including acquiring and verifying scan image data;and a second display configured to enable the operator to perform imagepost-processing tasks associated with the CT exams on the one or morepatients, the image post-processing tasks including performing imagereconstructions and reformats; wherein each of the first display and thesecond display are configured to display a plurality of distinct displayzones thereon, with the first display including an exam set-up andprotocol selection zone configured to enable the operator to select ascan protocol from a protocol list area for performing a CT scan on adesired patient; and wherein each of the first display and the seconddisplay are operable independent from one another to provide forparallel workflows between the first display and second display andbetween the patient set-up and scanning tasks and the post-processingtasks.
 2. The user interface of claim 1 wherein the plurality of displayzones comprises a tabs zone on the first display that includes aplurality of tabs each directed to a distinct patient, wherein each ofthe plurality of tabs is configured to be selectable by the operator tocause patient specific and scan specific information for a respectivepatient to be displayed on the first and second displays, and so as toallow for the operator to switch between exam activities related to thepatients.
 3. The user interface of claim 2 wherein each of the pluralityof tabs is configured to indicate a status of an exam for its respectivepatient, wherein the status comprises one of: not yet scanned, ready tobe scanned, and done scanning.
 4. The user interface of claim 2 whereinthe status further comprises one of: no processing, processingoccurring, and done processing.
 5. The user interface of claim 2 whereinthe plurality of display zones comprises a settings zone on the firstdisplay that is configured to display the patient specific and scanspecific information for a respective patient whose tab is selected, thepatient specific and scan specific information including a plurality ofscan settings therein.
 6. The user interface of claim 5 wherein thesettings zone is configured to highlight scan settings that have beenaltered from an original protocol setting value, so as to distinguishthe altered scan settings from unaltered scan settings.
 7. The userinterface of claim 2 wherein the plurality of display zones comprises apost-processing zone on the second display that is configured to enablethe operator to manage post-processing set-up, monitoring, andtransferring tasks.
 8. The user interface of claim 7 wherein theplurality of display zones comprises a file manager zone on the seconddisplay that is configured to display a list of all current patientexams and any stored prior patient exams, the file manager zone enablingoperator selection of a desired patient exam.
 9. The user interface ofclaim 7 wherein the post-processing zone is configured to displaypost-processing parameters and processing status for a patient selectedvia either the tabs zone or the file manager zone.
 10. The userinterface of claim 2 wherein the plurality of display zones comprises atask list zone on the first display configured to display all steps of aCT exam for a patient selected via a tab in the tabs zone, so as toallow the operator to prepare, plan, and optimize the exam.
 11. A userinterface for a computed tomography (CT) imaging system, the userinterface comprising: a first display configured to enable an operatorto perform set-up and scanning tasks associated with performing a CTexam on one or more patients; and a second display configured to enablethe operator to perform image post-processing tasks associated with theCT exams on the one or more patients; wherein each of the first displayand the second display are configured to display a plurality of distinctdisplay zones thereon, the plurality of display zones comprising: a tabszone on the first display comprising a plurality of tabs each directedto a distinct subject, wherein selection of one of the plurality of tabsby the operator causes subject specific and scan specific information tobe displayed on the first and second displays; a task list zone on thefirst display that is configured to display all steps in a scan protocolselected from a protocol list area for performing a CT scan on a subjectselected via a tab in the tabs zone and enable operator selection of aparticular step; settings and scanning zones on the first display thatare configured to display the subject specific and scan specificinformation for a respective subject whose tab is selected and arespective step selected in the task list zone; and a post-processingzone on the second display that is configured to enable the operator tomanage post-processing set-up, monitoring, and transferring tasks for aCT scan that has been performed; wherein the plurality of distinctdisplay zones on the first and second displays enable the operator toperform workflows on multiple subjects and enable simultaneous usage ofthe first display and the second display by multiple operators.
 12. Theuser interface of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality of tabs isconfigured to indicate a status of an exam for its respective patient,and further indicate a status of any ongoing processing associated withthe exam for the respective patient.
 13. The user interface of claim 11wherein the settings and scanning zones are configured to: enable theoperator to set values for a plurality of scan parameters associatedwith a CT scan to be performed on a respective subject; and highlightscan parameters that have been altered from an original protocolparameter value, so as to distinguish the altered scan parameters fromunaltered scan parameters.
 14. The user interface of claim 11 whereinthe plurality of display zones comprises a file manager zone on thesecond display that is configured to display a list of all currentpatient exams and any stored prior patient exams, the file manager zoneenabling operator selection of a desired patient exam.
 15. The userinterface of claim 14 wherein the post-processing zone is configured todisplay post-processing parameters and processing status for a patientselected via either the tabs zone or the file manager zone, thepost-processing parameters and processing status being associated withimage reconstructions and image reformats.
 16. A computed tomography(CT) imaging system comprising: a rotatable gantry having a gantryopening to receive a subject to be scanned; a high frequencyelectromagnetic energy projection source configured to project a highfrequency electromagnetic energy beam toward the subject; a detectorarray configured to detect high frequency electromagnetic energy passingthrough the subject and generate a detector output responsive thereto; adata acquisition system (DAS) connected to the detector array andconfigured to receive the detector output; an image reconstructorconnected to the DAS and configured to reconstruct one or more images ofthe subject from the detector output received by the DAS; and a userinterface configured to be usable by an operator to set scan relatedparameters and perform scan related tasks and observe the one or morereconstructed images generated by the image reconstructor; wherein theuser interface comprises: a first display configured to enable theoperator to perform set-up and scanning tasks for one or more patientsincluding acquiring and verifying scan image data; and a second displayconfigured to enable the operator to perform image post-processing tasksincluding reconstructions and reformats; wherein each of the firstdisplay and the second display are configured to display a plurality ofdistinct display zones thereon, with each of the plurality of displayzones being dedicated to a specified task associated with a CT scanningprocess of the subjects: and wherein the plurality of distinct displayzones includes an exam set-up and protocol selection zone on the firstdisplay configured to enable the operator to select a scan protocol froma protocol list area for performing a CT scan on a desired patient. 17.The CT imaging system of claim 16 wherein the plurality of display zonescomprises a tabs zone on the first display that includes a plurality oftabs each directed to a distinct subject, wherein each of the pluralityof tabs is configured to be selectable by the operator to cause subjectspecific and scan specific information for a respective subject to bedisplayed on the first and second displays, and so as to allow for theoperator to switch between exam activities related to the subjects. 18.The CT imaging system of claim 16 wherein the plurality of display zonescomprises a settings zone on the first display that is configured todisplay the subject specific and scan specific information for arespective subject whose tab is selected, the subject specific and scanspecific information including a plurality of scan settings therein forthe selected scan protocol, the settings zone is configured to highlightscan settings that have been altered from an original protocol settingvalue, so as to distinguish the altered scan settings unaltered scansettings.
 19. The CT imaging system of claim 16 wherein the plurality ofdisplay zones comprises: a post-processing zone on the second displaythat is configured to enable the operator to manage post-processingset-up, monitoring, and transferring tasks; and a file manager zone onthe second display that is configured to display a list of all currentsubject exams and any stored prior subject exams; wherein thepost-processing zone is configured to display post-processing parametersand processing status for a subject selected via either the tabs zone orthe file manager zone.